Local

Kaiser, LA launch summer swim program for disadvantaged

In this file photo, kids cool off at the Glassell Park Pool in June 2013. A program sponsored by the city of L.A. and Kaiser Permanente that kicked off Monday provides free swimming lessons to low-income children and adults.
Mae Ryan/KPCC

The summertime "Operation Splash" was set to kick off on Wednesday in Los Angeles.

This is the ninth year in a row Kaiser Permanente Southern California is sponsoring the program, which provides free swimming lessons for low-income children and adults at city pools.

Kaiser spokeswoman Sandra Hernandez-Millet estimated about 6,000 people will take advantage of the program.

"We want the kids to be more active. We want them to sit less, move more, and what better way for them to be active than during the summer. And if they don't know how to swim, this program is there to help not only the children but their parents learn to swim," Hernandez-Millet said.

Kaiser partnered with the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks, giving the city a 265,000 grant this year to run it.

Kaiser also sponsors "Operation Splash" programs in other Southern California counties, including Riverside and San Bernardino.